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Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG)

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In today’s fast-changing world, navigating the special education system and accessing the right support can feel overwhelming. The Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG) is here to help. We provide a strong, inclusive community where parents, caregivers, and self-advocates of all ages can find guidance, connection, and empowerment. Through educational workshops, advocacy, and both virtual and in-person events, we address the real issues families face—ensuring individuals with exceptional needs have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they deserve. Together, we are stronger, more informed, and better equipped to create lasting change.

Parent Mentor Services

Joy Howard:

  • Support for families to answer questions and concerns about the special education process via in-person meetings, by email or over the phone

  • Guidance and information about the CH-UH special education program

  • Preparation, support and guidance for IEP meetings

  • Resources relating to special education within and around the CH-UH community

  • Host and promote community engagement events, workshops and special events

 

Joy Howard serves as our district’s Parent Mentor, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to supporting families of individuals with exceptional needs. As a healthcare worker, active community advocate, and parent of children with exceptional needs, Joy understands the challenges families face and is committed to providing guidance, resources, and empowerment. She offers compassionate support to help parents and caregivers navigate the special education system, access services, and advocate for their loved ones.

For assistance, Joy can be reached by email at joy@reachingheights.org or by phone at (216) 236-3616.

"As a mother of a child with an IEP, I know how discouraging the process can feel sometimes and how truly amazing our children are. My goal is to help families build strong toolkits so they can be their children's best and strongest advocates."

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ECAG Events & Resources

As Cleveland Heights-University Heights parents/caregivers of those living with disabilities, we believe ALL children deserve the right to learn and thrive in proactive, integrated and rigorous learning environments in a community that provides opportunities, education and collaboration to help them live up to their full potential. 

 

We warmly invite everyone to join us for our parent support group meetings held every other month on the 3rd Mondays of the month from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm, unless special programs are happening that month. Meet other parents who share similar life experiences raising special needs children and have navigated the myriad of choices that must be made to support their children. In addition to providing support, the group also addresses specific needs parents may have by connecting them to the resources and training they need. It is also during these monthly meetings that we plan collaborative events with the school district in an effort to improve its special education program. Meetings are currently virtual and in-person  Zoom link is always: https://bit.ly/ECAGCHUH

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Movie & Mingle

Heights Libraries – Lee Road Branch

You're Invited!

Wonder Park Movie

🎬 You’re Invited to a Sensory-Friendly Movie Adventure!
Come laugh, relax, and be yourself with the Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG) as we present a special screening of Wonder Park—a fun-filled animated film for all ages!

🗓 Date: Thursday, July 11, 2025
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Heights Libraries – Lee Road Branch
         2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

🌟 This is a judgment-free zone where everyone is welcome!
Enjoy dimmed lights, softer sound, and the freedom to move, make noise, or just enjoy the movie your way.

🎟 Free and open to all ages and abilities!
Bring your friends, family, and smiles—we can’t wait to see you!

📧 Questions? Reach out to Joy at joy@reachingheights.org

Let’s make it a movie day to remember! 🍿💫

special events

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Video

The PACTS special education program received a special message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson! 

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Saturday's

July 12, 2025

10:30 a.m.

Adaptive Storytime

 

Join the Noble Heights library for a special story time designed for children who enjoy a relaxed environment in smaller groups. The routines includes visual supports fidget tools and bubbles. There will be time for free play after the story. Registration begins 2 weeks before each story time. At the Noble Library neighborhood branch Saturday's, 10:30am, June 7th, July 12th and August 2nd

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resources

CH-UH school district special education information

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Cuyahoga Board of Health Provide direction, support, and coordination in preventing, preparing for, and responding to events that threaten the public's health.

Milestones Autism Resource Toolkits for diagnosis, behavior, and much more.

MetroHealth School Based Health Care Enrollment

The MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E. School Health Program is partnering with CH-UH to offer health care services on-site at your child’s school. Your child will now have easier medical service access during the school day. 

 

Redtreehouse.org Supporting the well-being of Ohio's families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs. 

CH-UH School COVID-19 Information

Local Pantry and Crisis Contact List

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ECAG and Parent Mentoring programming are generously supported through CH-UH Schools' IDEA funding.

some fun & learning we've had

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